Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement, and reward-based dog training are essential for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please and fast learners.
Their work ethic and dedication makes them naturally vigilant of family members and are able to help with security. They are very active and require plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training to develop into well-mannered, confident dogs.
Origin
In the latter half of 1800 Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that could not be matched in its ability to herd. It took him years to find foundation stocks that matched his requirements physically as well as mentally. Hektor Linksrhein was one of the German Shepherd, was finally discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz's ideal of what a herding dog should be. Hektor was named the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).
During the second part of the 19th century, breeders tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention. And those traits are what make the breed popular today. For example, a study showed that German Shepherds master tasks in just five repetitions and obey the first command given 95% of the time.
The same traits make this breed a favorite pet for the family and one of the top working dogs for police and military. If properly socialized and trained they can be great companions for children and other pets. They tend to be cautious around strangers, but generally affectionate with the people they love. If they are not socialized as puppies,, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later in life and may become stressed or anxious.
Due to their strong instincts to protect, German Shepherds can be extremely cautious around strangers and make good guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them extremely capable of being trained. They are agile and strong, and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they need to.
There are many German Shepherds around the world because of their variety and acclaim. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are generally easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're unsure you are, consult your veterinarian for help to identify the breed. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards for the majority of dogs and are capable of helping you quickly and effectively.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder with pedigree papers that can be traced several generations back. Reputable breeders are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence about their credibility.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest and distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand at a height of 24 to 26 inches and females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a sharp, erect stare. While they may appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not show aggressive behavior toward dogs or people.
They are highly smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training which makes them fast learners. Early and consistent socialization is essential to their development as well-mannered, confident family pets. They're natural guardians and vigilant over their families, however they'll likely accept strangers who aren't considered to be danger.
These agile, powerful dogs excel at police and military work as well as being service dogs for those with disabilities. They possess an extremely strong prey drive and will likely chase small animals, which is why making sure they are in a secure area and providing plenty of positive interactions is crucial for households with other pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and trained. They're generally wary of strangers and other dogs however, through early socialization and positive training, they can be taught to play with other pets.
If you are evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its size and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be wide and square, with an even, straight back that is only slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs indicate poor structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless easy stride, which is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are loyal and not overly eager to please. They have a strong loyalty to their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them a very effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will challenge them mentally and physically. schäferhund kaufen require regular exercise and a huge yard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they might engage in destructive behavior like chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder choose one who is dedicated to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A trustworthy breeder will be able to discuss the history of the parents and the puppies. He or she can also determine if the litter has been socialized and given obedience training. If the puppy isn't socialized, it could require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a future life as an adult member of the family.
Puppies must be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity for asserting themselves. If one puppy is more reserved than the others and is more timid, it should be interpreted as a warning. Additionally, a good German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grasp when being picked up.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue or liver colors are not acceptable). The teeth must be white and join in an imposing scissor bite with the upper row of teeth being slightly larger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at their base, with pointed tips that can be slightly droopy when in rest.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is employed in a variety of different tasks including herding, search and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and guiding the blind. This versatility makes it one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. However, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, able to flourish in many different environments and roles. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals and affectionate companions. They also excel at competition dog sports, advanced obedience, and training in protection. Their dedication to work can result in careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. GSDs, like all breeds, are susceptible to certain health problems despite their remarkable talents.
As a breed that is larger GSDs are more prone to joint problems like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become slack and in pain as they get older. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the impact.
German Shepherds are at risk of the condition known as bloat. It is a condition in which the stomach twists and fills up with gas which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical care.
Because of their long, thick coats and darker coloration GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund züchter check their eyes on every visit for signs of pannus, an eye disease caused by immune system that can cause blindness if not treated promptly.
king shepherd kaufen and inherited diseases can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The latter occurs when the jelly-like cushion that connects the vertebrae of your spine breaks or slips creating pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump.
Like all dogs, you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can lead to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. You should also regularly brush their coat to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is fine every now and then, but overdoing it can remove the natural oils that keep the coat shiny and healthy.